Three teenagers who died in Coedely car and bus crash named by police

Tributes have been left at the scene of the collision between an Audi and a bus for the friends

Police have named three teenage men who died following a crash between an Audi and a bus. The collision happened in Elwyn Street in Coedely, Tonyrefail, at around 7pm on Monday, December 11.

South Wales Police said this morning that three men were declared dead at the scene. Two further men, aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff with life threatening injuries. Two other people were also treated for minor injuries.

Latest: Updates as police investigate fatal crash between a car and a bus in Coedely

On Tuesday afternoon, police confirmed that Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth, Jesse Owen, 18, from Tonypandy, and Morgan Smith, 18, from Tonypandy all died in the crash.

Former boxing champion Morgan was described by his heartbroken family as the "perfect son".

Morgan's dad Daniel Chalfont described him as "my baby boy" and said he was "literally the most perfect son you could ever wish for". He added: "Miss you so much already. Don't know how I'll live life without you. Literally broken."

His mother Laura said: "Just six hours ago we said our usual love you. This hurts so much."

The three schools that Morgan Smith, Callum Griffiths and Jesse Owen formerly attended issued a join statement on Tuesday evening. Yvonne Jones, Headteacher of Porth Community School, Heather Nicholas, Headteacher of Tonyrefail Community School, and Laura Morris, Headteacher of Ysgol Nantgwyn said: “The school communities of Porth Community School, Tonyrefail Community School and Ysgol Nantgwyn are completely devastated by the news that former pupils were involved in a fatal incident yesterday evening in Coed Ely.

“Our pupils, current and former, are the heart of our communities and it’s incredibly sad that lives full of potential and promise have been sadly taken too soon. Pupils and staff at from all our schools send their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the former pupils who have died. Our thoughts are with those who have been injured, and we pray for their safety and recovery. Additional support is being put in place to support pupils and staff affected by this terrible news."

On Tuesday, Maerdy Boxing Club also paid tribute to Morgan Smith, who was a member of the club. It said the club would be closed until further notice. In a statement on Facebook, the club said: "We as a club are absolutely devastated to hear the horrific news that one of our own Morgan Smith sadly passed away yesterday evening.

"Morgan was the nicest person you could ever wish to meet, always had time for people and it was a pleasure to have him representing our club as he was a big part of the Maerdy Boxing Club Family. He will be missed by everyone and he will leave a massive hole in our lives.

"Not only was Morgan a great person he was also a very talented Boxer becoming a Welsh Champion, representing Wales in the British Championships and also travelled to Ireland with us to box. Our thoughts and prays are with Morgan's family at this very sad time. The boxing club will be closed until further notice."

Welsh Boxing paid tribute to Morgan in a statement on its website, which reads: "Welsh Boxing is saddened to hear of the tragic accident that has occurred in Coedely and the untimely death of Morgan Smith and his teenage friends. Morgan became Welsh Youth Champion last year and represented Wales at the GB 3 Nations tournament where he won a bronze medal. Our thoughts are with all the families and friends, everyone involved at Morgan’s boxing club Maerdy ABC and the members of the boxing community who knew him."

Penygraig RFC, the rugby club Morgan Smith used to play for at youth level, has offered support for family and friends of the three victims. The club said in a statement on Facebook: "There will be a lot of young men who played alongside Morgan Smith during the many times he represented Penygraig at Youth level. There will be others who both trained with and fought against him during his time as a talented and promising young boxer.

"To those who knew Morgan, and the other young men involved, we would like you all to know there is always someone you can talk to. If there is anything Penygraig RFC can do to help the families or friends at this difficult time, please do not hesitate to get in touch."

A barber shop in Treorchy, where Callum Griffiths is understood to have worked for a time, also paid tribute to him. In a post on Instagram on Tuesday, Yes Beast barber shop said: "Shop closed today. Horrendous news to wake up to this morning. It's been a pleasure to know Callum whilst he worked at the shop. Deepest condolences to his friends and family. Rest easy up there big guy, you'll be missed greatly. Up the villa."

Meanwhile a local church has offered support for the community following the tragedy. St. Alban's in Coedely opened its doors for three hours on Tuesday and will also be open on the weekend. In a post on Facebook, Toneyrefail Parish said: "Following the tragic accident yesterday, St. Alban's, Celyn Isaf, Coedely will be open to the community between 6pm-9pm, providing a space for quiet reflection, prayer and to light candles. Our Ministry Area Leader, Fr. Vincent Gardner will be there to offer support. St. Alban's will also be open on Saturday morning 9am-12noon."

Speaking earlier today, Superintendent Esyr Jones of South Wales Police said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident. Trained family liaison officers are supporting the families at what must be an extremely difficult time for them.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner in which either vehicle was being driven prior to the collision is asked to contact South Wales Police.

In addition, anyone with any dash cam or mobile phone footage or who was witness to the collision is asked to contact us quoting reference 2300420639.

For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter